15 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism Without Really Trying

Eat PineapplePineapple contains bromelain which is used by gastroenterologists to treat gastrointestinal disorders…it’s that good! says Dan Hamner, M.D., a sports medicine and rehabilitation doctor in New York City. Bromelain helps the pancreatic cells break down food substances so that they can enter the energy pathways. In case you were wondering, pina coladas don’t count.

Eat OrganicIt appears the toxins in non-organic food can cause your body to store fat rather than metabolize it. So if you don’t want to carry last night’s dinner around your thighs, your best bet is to stick with organic fruits and vegetables.

Sip Green TeaA spot of tea may be a smart move when it comes to slimming down. The catechins — a chemical found in green tea — help speed up metabolism and reduce body mass index. As an added benefit, some studies show that green tea lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Sniff Peppermint or CitrusCitrus and peppermint (or anything else with that aroma) stimulate the nervous system which in turn ups your metabolism, says Hirsch. Apparently, smelling buttered popcorn and strawberries while exercising will help you burn more calories too. Not sure how to accomplish that while on the treadmill but if you figure it out, your metabolism will be through the roof!

Drink Cold WaterWater is essential to your body’s functioning, including carrying nutrients to your cells. Studies have shown that people who drank 8-12 full glasses of water daily had higher metabolic rates than those who drank only four glasses. Drinking cold water may be even better for your metabolism since your body burns a few extra calories heating the cold water to your core temperature. In addition, dehydration is often misinterpreted as hunger, causing people to eat more. By staying hydrated, you’ll probably eat less.

Spice It UpIf it makes your eyes water, it’s probably going to burn calories as well, because [spicy foods] increase the heart rate, more energy is used when these foods are ingested, which in turn means more calories burned.

Take a Stand at WorkOne of the biggest culprits responsible for creeping obesity is prolonged sitting in the workplace. The good news is that standing while you work bumps up your calorie expenditure and, when carried out over the course of one year, can translate to the equivalent energy burn found in 25 pounds of stored body fat. If a standing work station is not possible, then at least try to stand/walk/fidget for five minutes every 15 minutes of your workday. The metabolic boost will be major!

Have a Cup of JoeSeems your afternoon coffee habit may do more than just keep you out of the nap zone! Caffeine increases heart rate, breathing and metabolism. In fact, a study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior found that the average metabolic rate of people who drank caffeinated coffee is 16 percent higher than those who drank decaf. While drinking too much caffeine can have some deleterious health effects, seems like an espresso or two might actually help you stay lithe!

Laugh MoreGiggles reduce jiggles? Researchers estimate that laughing 100 times is the equivalent in energy expenditure to 10 minutes on a rowing machine or 15 minutes on an exercise bike. In addition, laughter results in a reduction of stress hormones, which can help with your metabolism. Laughter has also been shown to positively affect blood sugar (i.e. the more you chortle, the lower your levels). Put all that together and the evidence suggests that she who laughs last, may also be skinnier!

Drizzle Extra Virgin Olive OilYour metabolism could benefit from adding at least a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil to your daily diet. It’s known to boost metabolism by speeding up the rate of fat oxidation and the antioxidant properties are also great for decreasing inflammation throughout the body.

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